The 32-year-old was uncertain about his playing future when appointed coach, with a strong possibility he would oversee the Devils in a non-playing capacity.

However, he has decided to pull on the boots in the Ballarat Football League this year.

"I'm as fit as I've been in five years."

Roy said he had dropped weight and was raring to go.

He is looking to play a different on-field role though - moving out of the midfield to better manage himself physically after his share of serious injuries throughout his football career.

Roy's playing career has looked over more than once.

He injured a knee in the opening of the 2018 season when last with Darley and missed the rest of the year.

He came back last season with Lorne, going on to be part of a premiership team despite battling with knee trouble.

Roy's call to play on gives Darley's largely young list an added boost with his experience and on-field leadership.

Roy has also managed to lure back 2015 premiership coach Jarrod Edwards back to the club as a non-playing assistant coach.

Edwards left the Devils at the end of 2016 and was succeeded by Heath Scotland.

Roy said Edwards was his first target when putting together his coaching team.

"I'm excited to have him. Everyone's rapt (to have him back)," Roy said.

"He's highly respected."

In player movements at Darley, former Bendigo Pioneers-listed Bailey Waasdorp is returning to Tongala in the Murray league after one year with the Devils and Nick Thacker is joining East Geelong in the Geelong District league.

Ash Campbell has arrived at Darley Park from Katherine in the Big Rivers league as the Devils work on building their list.